Consultation on northern Victoria water resource plan drawing to a close

Irrigators and farmers are being encouraged to have their say on the draft Northern Victoria Water Resource Plan, with consultation closing next month.

The 1022-page draft plan will balance socio-economic impacts while delivering environmental benefits for the river system for the north of the state and Victoria’s share of the Murray River, and outlines how much surface and groundwater can be taken for use on farms, towns, industry, recreation and the environment.

The draft plan also discusses how to manage risk, including from climate change and drought, a plan to manage water quality, arrangements for groundwater trade, and identifying and responding to traditional owner water values and uses.

The draft plan is available for community consultation until Monday, March 18 with a final public consultation taking place at the Overlander Hotel on Benalla Rd, Shepparton on Wednesday, February 27 from 12pm to 2pm.